Community Tribute To Dr. Dennis George Forsythe, Salem United Church, Islington, St. Mary

Some of those present were Her Honour Justice Judith Pusey, of the High Court.  Also Mrs. Donna McIntosh Brice Gayle, Attorney at Law , Mr. NELTON FORSYTHE, PARTNER of deceased also a Lawyer, Mrs. Shirley Hanna, Mr “Georgie” Perry, to name a few persons in attendance.

The Tribute

 Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie

“Friends, colleagues of Dr. Dennis Forsythe, countrymen all. When Mark Antony uttered similar words which have been immortalized by repetition and in script uttered at that memorable event. The occasion as you recall was the untimely death of Julius Caesar.  Mark had to be careful to avoid provoking a possible riot … he referred to Brutus et al as honourable men.  The only riot I would expect to is a thunderous applause having paid my factual tribute to Dr. DENNIS GEORGE FORSYTHE.  He was indeed a honorable man.

It is my honour and esteemed priviledge to be asked to deliver this community tribute to a friend, neighbour and productive member of the Orange Grove Bridgemount, Summit Heights Community and Islington. Our saviour saw it fit to elevate Dennis to higher service and though we are missing him and wished such would be at a distant later. God ‘s time is not necessarily our time.  We will not attempt to argue the merits or demerits of this case.  Dr. Dennis would not, I do think so. The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord. We do not mourn as those without hope as we know our living Lord always keeps  His promises. He said in John’s gospel that he is gone to prepare a place for us all and that in His Father’s house there are many rooms. His is not a one room house. Trust me on that score.

Community

Over thirty eight short years ago Dr. DENNIS and my family met. We moved into the community in 1978 then met Dr. Forsythe.  Our relationship never soured nor looked back.

I recall selling him BBQ tickets and visiting with him from time to time. If I was on foot he never passed me nor ever used the excuse that he thought I was just exercising.  He refused to leave me at the foot of my hill. Dr. Forsythe insisted that I be taken to my gate and was safe.

His legal advises to me were pro bono as he believed in giving back … his way of thanking His Creator for the many gifts freely bestowed on him. Trust me these gifts were many.

Caring

This pattern of behaviour demonstrates the caring nature of the man whose life we celebrate here today. A life of service, integrity and real worth by adding value and enriching lives. He was a true advocate. He leaves behind 3 of his blood to carry on this rich legacy. Brian Forsythe recently got his LLB and plans to be a lawyer as his father.

Baton

Our community is the poorer for this loss … as was stated before. We are heartened by the fact that he has left behind three off springs who will be in a position to take up and carry the baton in this relay of life.  To Brian et al,  I say to you, your loss will be particularly painful. Your dad is no longer with you, so the values of caring caught and no doubt taught by your father certainly live on in.

Your father took time out to further his education and even attained his doctorate.  For a black man in the era that he grew up, this is a monumental achievement.   The sweat, blood and tears must have threatened to blind him at times as he struggled to achieve academic excellence.  Dr. Dennis George Forsythe never lost his way. He maintained an integrity that is the envy of many.  By so doing he has left an indelible mark on our local community if not  internationally and across the commonwealth etc. Foot prints on the sands of time.

My friend Donna, and church sister, herself an esteemed attorney at law said “if my back was itching me and DENNIS was around I would have felt quite comfortable and safe to have disrobed and allow him to investigate the source of my discomfort.  The man would not violate. ” When you consider a gymnastics instructor sentenced for some 175+ years for unethical conduct in his professional interactions with his charges, the measure of such a trust really takes on a life of its own and speaks volumes of Dr. DENNIS and the high esteem in which he is held.  As a grand dad I shudder at the thought that my 5 and 3 year old grand daughters would be robbed of their innocence by their gymnastics instructor or was violated in anyway by this betrayal of trust.

Dr. Dennis George Forsythe, you came, you saw, you conquered and that is why today you are being honoured with this most fitting celebration of your life.  The presence of your family, colleagues of 1f11 the legal profession, your close friends neighbour and associates say a lot and should mean a lot to your immediate family. T. S. Eliot said in His book of Selected Poems page 107 & I quote:

“THE EAGLE SOARS IN THE SUMMIT OF HEAVEN

THE HUNTER WITH HIS DOGS PURSUES HIS CIRCUIT

O PERPETUAL REVOLUTION OF CONFIGURED STARS

O PERPETUAL RECURRENCE OF DETERMINED SEASONS

O WORLD OF SPRING and AUTUMN, BIRTH and DYING

THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF IDEA AND ACTION”

Commentary

Im short life continues in perpetuity is what CS ELIOT appears to me to be SAYING.

Closing

In closing let me share with you an encounter that I vividly recall.

Flood Rains fell and the drain was no match for the volume of water that swelled its banks. Something had to give, gave it did.  The swelling water ending up toppling Dr  Dennis’ perimeter wall. I visited him and enquired of him what recourse he would take to be compensated for the loss. Instead of opting for confrontation he settled to dealing with the issue quietly. He was the consummate peace maker.  He will indeed inherit a coveted place in God’s kingdom. Consultation instead of confrontation.

As you are ushered into the Holy City, I leave you with this the last verse of the very popular and fitting celebratory hymn sung at many celebrations of this nature.

Sung Unaccompanied

Jerusalem, Jerusalem sing for the night is over …
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna for evermore …

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna for evermore …

Amen!”

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie,  SIC & photojournalist was there and filed this report for Vision newspaper Canada.